Manchester United Identify Former City Centre-Back As Vidic Replacement - Report

Manchester United are interested in former City defender Savic.Reuters

Mancheter United have reportedly earmarked Fiorentina centre-back Stefan Savic as their main target to replace Nemanja Vidic, who recently confirmed he will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season once his contract at the Premier League champions expires.

Savic struggled during his time at Manchester City to secure a place in Roberto Mancini's line up and after just one season at the Etihad Stadium they sold to Fiorentina as part of the deal that saw Matija Nastasic move in the opposite direction.

However, the 23-year-old defender has established himself at Fiorentina and is currently considered one of the best young defenders in the Serie A.

According to Italian outlet MediaSet the Premier League holders have been monitoring him recently and they are planning a summer bid to secure his services.

The Montenegro international defender move to City in summer 2011 at the age of 20, after they paid around £6m to Partizan Belgrade for his services. During one season at the Etihad, he won the Premier League but he decided to move away as he only played 11 domestic league games.

The Italian reports suggest that the good relationship between Manchester United and Fiorentina following Anderson loan to the Italian side last January may help to get the deal.

Manchester United are expected to make a massive clear-out at then end of the season and they are especially concerned about bolstering the defence.

Captain Vidic is already confirmed as the first departure and his long term defensive partner Rio Ferdinand is also expected to leave Old Trafford, as his contract is also due to expire – leaving the squad with only Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.